Talk N Text Sporting New Import at Game 3 of Series vs Brgy Ginebra

Jerome Jordan, the Talk N Text's tall import, had a short stint in the PBA after he was replaced by an NBA D-League standout, Tony Mitchell, starting in today's matchup against the Brgy. Ginebra Kings as the semis action is back up again after a short break from the All-Star Weekend. The 6-foot-5 guard is a huge downgrade in terms of height in comparison to the 7-footer Jordan, but the Talk N Text coaching staff believes he can help push their campaign in the ongoing semis action in the 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup.

The series is currently tied at 1-1 and Talk N Text is hopeful that their new import can help them gain the lead in the series. Mitchell will have a big shoes to fill in, though, as aside from replacing a tall import the team will also be missing the services of point guard Jimmy Alapag and wingman Jared Dillinger due to injuries.

According to Norman Black, "We were to use Mitchell as our third conference import, but because of recent developments in our team, we will use him now in our series versus Ginebra."

Aside from making adjustments in their offense with the addition of a new import, head coach Norman Black also acknowledges that it puts additional pressure on Ali Peek and Rabah Al-Hussaini when it comes to defending Vernon Macklin, Ginebra's import, in the paint. After all, the said import has been known to be an explosive scorer, even on the inside. But Black noted "solid team defense and rebounding" in order to overcome this huge debacle.

Meanwhile, coach Alfrancis Chua also admits that his team will have to make its own adjustments with the arrival of their opponent's new import. He admits though that Talk N Text had to make the bigger adjustment concerning team chemistry and the fact that they had to find the right matchup against their import.

Mitchell arrived in the Philippines right before majority of the Talk N Text team flew to Davao City for the All-Star activities. But even when Alapag and Dillinger are out, Ryan Reyes and Ali Peek are back in play and these two are going to play a crucial role in tonight's game as both teams want to get an edge over their competition.

The tipoff for the Brgy. Ginebra and Talk N Text game will take place at 7:30 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Which team do you think will take a lead in this series after tonight?

PBA 2013 Commissioner's Cup Semis Schedule

The quarterfinals round came swiftly in the PBA with the number one team, Alaska Aces, finishing off its opponent, Air 21 Express, after having a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the quarterfinals round. However, the story is far more different in the other twice-to-beat matchup as the Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel showcased their "never say die" attitude as they battled Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Eventually, they managed to defeat the latter in both meetings, sealing them a date at the Semifinals round with the Tropang Texters of Talk N Text.

Speaking of Talk N Text, they also qualified into the Semis fairly early after they swept Petron Blaze Boosters in their own Best of 3 Series. Meanwhile, San Mig Coffee Mixers' series against the Meralco Bolts went the entire length of the Best of 3 competition, but they eventually ended up on top during last Wednesday's game.

The semifinals round is scheduled to tip off today in the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The semifinals round will be a Best-of-5 series with the two winning teams moving on to the Finals round. Below is a list of the game schedules. Make sure to take note so you won't miss a single game!

courtesy of www.pba.inquirer.net

Which team do you think will go head to head in the finals? Share your predictions below.